He could not help hearing a word now and then, as the windows were
open, and these bits of conversation filled him with curiosity, for the
names "Thorny," "Celia," and "George" were often repeated, and an
occasional merry laugh from the young lady sounded like music in that
usually quiet place.

When dinner was over, Ben's industrious fit left him, and he leisurely
trundled his barrow to and fro till the guest departed. There was no
chance for him to help now, since Pat, anxious to get whatever trifle
might be offered for his services, was quite devoted in his attentions
to the mare and her mistress till she was mounted and off. But Miss
Celia did not forget her little guide, and spying a wistful face
behind the wood-pile, paused at the gate and beckoned with that winning
smile of hers. If ten Pats had stood scowling in the way Ben would have
defied them all, and vaulting over the fence he ran up with a shining
face, hoping she wanted some last favor of him. Leaning down, Miss
Celia slipped a new quarter into his hand, saying:

"Lita wants me to give you this for taking the stone out of her foot."

"Thanky, ma'am; I liked to do it, for I hate to see 'em limp,
'specially such a pretty one as she is," answered Ben, stroking the
glossy neck with a loving touch.

"The Squire says you know a good deal about horses, so I suppose you
understand the Houyhnhnm language? I'm learning it, and it is very
nice," laughed Miss Celia, as Chevalita gave a little whinny and
snuggled her nose into Ben's pocket.

"No, miss, I never went to school."